Brunswick Zone XL Rockford

A new Brunswick Zone XL is slated to open in Rockford in Spring 2009. Rockford will boost its entertainment value when the first stage of a 22-acre entertainment complex opens next spring, offering activities like bowling and laser tag. First Rockford Group is developing the commercial district, dubbed "Block 83" because it sits in the 8300 block of East State Street. City, county and corporate officials used gold shovels today to turn dirt for Brunswick Zone XL, a family-friendly facility that will sit on 4.5 acres near University Drive and East State Street behind the Kerasotes ShowPlace 16 movie theater.

Brunswick is expected to open by mid-April 2009 and will feature two bowling areas, billiards, a lounge, an arcade, a laser tag arena and more. It's a Fortune 500 company with more than 100 bowling centers in North America.

"We can't wait to start," said Enrique Boneta, director of operations for Brunswick Bowling & Billiards. "We're changing the face of bowling. ... These aren't your grandpa's bowling alleys."

The site is all about location, leaders say. It's close to Interstate 90, so they expect it will draw traffic from at least a 30-mile radius and will be popular with local residents and vacationers staying in local hotels. Rockford's City Council approved the complex's zoning permit for a 15-building facility next to the movie theater earlier this year. The development's centerpiece will be the 57000-square-foot Brunswick Zone XL building, which will include two bowling alleys, a lounge, meeting rooms and a laser tag arena.

First Rockford founder and President Sunil Puri said he's particularly thrilled about the development because it's making progress during a tough economy. He said it's a sign that people believe in Rockford's regional appeal.

"It really puts us on the map and gets us started on something which I believe will be a destination," Puri said.

First Rockford Group bought 50 acres of land from Kerasotes in 2005, more than a decade after the 16-screen theater opened. The Brunswick facility and the theater account for about a $50 million investment in the area, Puri said. Puri's group is planning its own $4 million project which includes a 15,000-square-foot, multi-tenant retail building - in front of the theater. A groundbreaking for that is expected to take place when Brunswick opens. First Rockford also was involved in the development of Volcano Falls Adventure Park and the now-shuttered Cherry Valley Golf and Games.

He said the progress on bringing more activity to the theater area was brought on by increased marketing. First Rockford also will help extend roadways within the development to ease traffic. The city installed traffic lights at East State Street and ShowPlace Drive and East State Street and University Drive.

Title: Brunswick Zone XL Rockford
Author: billiardsforum (Billiards Forum)
Published: 7/23/2008 10:02:00 PM
Last Updated: 3/18/2009 8:02:00 AM
Last Updated By: billiardsforum

Brunswick Zone XL Rockford Comments

Linnie from Des Plaines, IL on 3/16/2009 3:23:33 PM
I am looking forward to the new Brunswick Zone XL to open. Are there any updates on the progress or does anyone know if they still will be opening mid April? I went by and see no signs of what the building was and no indication of an expected opening. By chance is there a web site alone for the Brunswick Zone XL?

Reply and share your comments below: